REPORT – 2021 KTM Aus Adventure Rallye: QLD Ranges

Words and Photos: KTM

For their fifth Adventure Rallye, KTM Australia went to Queensland this past May. The ‘KTM Australia Adventure Rallye: QLD Ranges’ was the first of these rallyes to be held in the Sunshine State, with the 6-day event exploring the Wide Bay-Burnett region.

Despite the COVID uncertainties that continue to affect travel and event planning, a total of 135 Orange Adventure riders signed up for the rallye, joined by a 35-member support contingent, made up of KTM Australia staff and local experts.

Kenilworth, Kroombit, beaches and bush

This year's rallye took off from the rural town of Kenilworth, inland from the Sunshine Coast, where legendary two-time Dakar Rally winner, Toby Price of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing, made a surprise - and hugely popular - guest appearance on the rallye’s opening night at Kenilworth Showgrounds.

From there, the Orange Adventure riders headed north, past Gympie, with the first overnight stop at Rainbow Beach.

Heading north again for Day 2, Agnes Water was the next overnight stop, with the rallye then heading inland to Cania Gorge, before turning south to Gayndah and the Bunya Mountains.

With the on-bike action complemented by all kinds of excitement off the bike, there were many and varied highlights along the way.

One of these was the Kroombit Tops National Park where the remains of “Beautiful Betsy”; a World War II Liberator bomber that crashed in 1945, are still place. Here, riders experienced an historic point of interest in an area with amazing adventure tracks. 

Six days of brilliant Aussie bushland, beaches and forests wrapped up with a return to Kenilworth.

The final day saw a fundraising lunch at the remarkable Louisavale Station. Located between Linville and Kilcoy, this large cattle property featured one of the best tracks of the entire event, complemented by a BBQ, fresh scones and cold drinks. All proceeds went towards the family’s 14-year-old son Gus, who fittingly, is saving to buy his first KTM dirt bike.

Highlights and Support

At the end of the KTM Australia Adventure Rallye: QLD Ranges, the feel-good vibe was at its peak. Perhaps more importantly, the first major KTM event in the country since the onset of COVID brought a sense of normality that was welcomed by all.

As with all previous KTM Australia Adventure Rallyes, memories were made in the Queensland Ranges that will last a lifetime.

Onlookers and participants enjoyed gazing at the mixture of KTM Adventure models that were brought along for the ride, too. KTM adventure ambassador Chris Birch made the trip across from New Zealand and showcased the all-new 2021 KTM 1290 Super Adventure R - one of the first in Australia!

As well as providing a chance for orange riders to enjoy their bikes on great trails through epic scenery, each KTM Australia Adventure Rallye supports Australian communities by bolstering tourism, especially in rural and remote regions.

KTM sincerely thanks all who made the KTM Australia Adventure Rallye: QLD Ranges possible, from staff to supporting crew, participants and those instrumental in enabling this year's event to go ahead.

KTM Australia Adventure Rallye: South West WA - CANCELLED

The Queensland Ranges event was to be one of two KTM Adventure Rallyes in Australia for 2021, with the second to be held in WA.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, this year’s second rallye, which was to be held on 10-16 October in South West WA, has been cancelled.

KTM hope to hold their first ever Adventure Rallye in WA in 2022.

For updates on these and other future rallyes, go to ridektm.com.au  or get in touch with your authorised KTM dealership.